MQM 27th Amendment Demand for Local Government Empowerment
MQM 27th Amendment proposal took center stage as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to grant broader powers to local governments through the forthcoming 27th Constitutional Amendment.
A seven-member MQM delegation led by Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Convener of MQM Pakistan, met the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the draft reforms aimed at strengthening local democracy across Sindh and Pakistan.
MQM 27th Amendment Delegation Meets Prime Minister
The MQM delegation included Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, and National Assembly members Dr Farooq Sattar, Javed Hanif Khan, Syed Amin ul Haq, and Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan.
Sources confirmed that detailed discussions were held on the 27th Amendment, focusing on decentralization, administrative autonomy, and financial empowerment for local bodies.
“Our core demand is constitutional protection for empowered local governments,” said an MQM representative after the meeting.
Prime Minister Assures Support for MQM 27th Amendment
According to insider reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured MQM of the inclusion of their local government draft in the amendment text. He also expressed readiness to review MQM’s proposed clauses to ensure equitable resource distribution among provinces and cities.
“The PML-N fully supports MQM’s draft for local governments,” sources said, adding that the issue topped the agenda.
Governor Kamran Tesori Welcomes Government Consultation
Following the meeting, Sindh Governor Kamran Tesori told reporters that the Prime Minister held comprehensive consultations on the amendment.
“The Prime Minister took us into confidence and promised serious consideration of our draft,” he said.
“This is a positive step toward ensuring that the spirit of local governance is reflected in the Constitution.”
MQM 27th Amendment Aims for Stronger Local Governance
Under the proposed MQM 27th Amendment, powers related to municipal planning, revenue allocation, and infrastructure development would shift from provincial to local authorities. MQM argues that Pakistan’s urban centers—especially Karachi—require constitutionally protected autonomy to resolve chronic civic issues.
Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized that empowering local institutions would improve governance, reduce corruption, and ensure efficient service delivery.
“Without local autonomy, cities like Karachi cannot function effectively,” he stated.
Parliament to Debate 27th Amendment This Month
Government coalition sources confirmed that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill is being finalized for presentation in Parliament. It is expected to receive approval from both houses before the end of the month.
The amendment seeks to redefine the roles of federal, provincial, and local administrations under the Constitution of Pakistan to promote balanced development.
“This is a landmark moment for constitutional reform,” a senior law expert told National News Pakistan. “MQM’s advocacy has pushed the debate on urban empowerment into the mainstream.”
Analysts Say MQM 27th Amendment Could Transform Urban Politics
Political analysts believe that if the MQM 27th Amendment is adopted, it will mark a major devolution of power to city governments across Pakistan.
It could reshape governance models by allowing local leaders to directly manage municipal budgets, welfare projects, and public services without provincial bureaucratic delays.
However, critics warn that proper implementation and oversight will be crucial to prevent mismanagement and political influence at the city level.
